Saving Rubber

It is at this time of the year that punctures happen more than we’d like. But how do we not let it ruin the day?

For many years we’ve experimented with rubber saving innovations: everything from tubeless tyres with sealants, glue on patches, or even folding a £5 note to patch up a tyre. Yet, it took a skateboarding friend to introduce us to his discovery of the Park Tools TB2. This is the smart way to tyre saving – and now at costing less than a fiver, it saves us all a good penny or two.

How it works

The GP2 is a transparent, extra-sticky, self-adhesive patch, making tube saving quick and convenient.

Tyre patch TB2 – The folks at Park Tools have taken a toughened, yet flexible plastic and combined this with a 3M adhesive. It comes in a handy credit-card size, so it is easy to fit in a wallet, pocket or kit-bag. It couldn’t be simpler.

Park Tool GP2 and TB2 – never leave home without it

Does it work?

My Conti 4-Season finally proclaimed it wanted to end its season early, but I wasn’t having any of it. At £30+ a piece and with plenty of tread left on the rubber, the TB2 came to the rescue. Similarly, in the same week, the highly rated Schwalbe Durano-Plus was treated to both tyre and inner tube medication, getting me home without replacing any of the wheel rubber.

GP2 and TB2 – a winning combination

What could be improved?

The renowned 3M adhesive on the TB2 doesn’t pack the same punch as that found on the GP2 tube patches supplied by Park Tool. The stiff plastic-like material seems to be a challenge for the patch to be applied successfully. I’ve found that cutting a GP2 patch in half and using these to reinforce the TB2 to remedy this.

The low down

For a convenient and proven inner tube patch, you can’t go far wrong with the Park Tool GP2. To salvage serious tyre gashes, the TB2 will answer your call for help and get you home with confidence.

Pricing

At the time of writing the GP2 are usually £3.49, but are available for £2.39 for a set of 6 patches. TB2 are usually £4.99, but are now available for £3.14 for a pack of 3.

:: The review is independent and the club does not have any involvement with the Park Tool. We simply like their ideas. You can find a range of reviews here ::